Classism in Media: How the Entertainment Industry Reinforces the Divide

    The media we consume every day—whether it’s films, TV shows, or social media—shapes our worldview. It influences what we value, how we see others, and even how we see ourselves. But what happens when the narratives and characters we are presented with come from a single class perspective? In an entertainment world dominated by wealth, where the stories of the rich and elite take center stage, the voices of the working class and the poor are often ignored or misrepresented.

This is classism in media, and it’s a fundamental issue that fuels the ongoing divide between the rich and the rest of us. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the media industry systematically reinforces classism and why it matters for society.

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The Oligarchy Behind the Lens: Who Gets to Tell the Story?

At the heart of the problem lies who controls the media. The film, television, and streaming industries are overwhelmingly run by wealthy elites—people whose life experiences are far removed from those living paycheck to paycheck. As a result, the stories that are told, and the characters that are highlighted, often reflect the values, struggles, and perspectives of the upper class.

These stories are not just entertainment—they are propaganda. By continually portraying the world through the eyes of the wealthy, the media establishes a standard of living and success that is out of reach for most people. The idea that wealth is the ultimate goal, that happiness is tied to material abundance, and that success requires power and privilege, is ingrained into the narratives we consume.

But what about the stories of the poor and working class? They are either completely absent or portrayed as caricatures—criminals, drug addicts, or failures. There’s little space for nuanced, complex depictions of people who live outside of the elite bubble.

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The High Cost of Making Movies: Oligarchic Media in Action

Making a blockbuster film today costs millions, sometimes even billions. With production budgets soaring, the kinds of stories that get told are the ones that appeal to the wealthiest demographics. The result is a cycle of high-budget, high-grossing films that cater to the tastes of an elite few. In essence, only the wealthiest individuals and corporations can afford to produce and distribute media that is consumed by billions.

This is where the problem of oligarchic media kicks in. The entire system is designed to reinforce the interests of the wealthy. Films that reflect the everyday struggles of working-class people or highlight issues like poverty, class struggle, and inequality are often sidelined or underfunded.

When you look at Hollywood’s output, most of the films—whether it’s superhero franchises or romantic comedies—are stories about or for the elite. Even when characters from working-class backgrounds appear, they’re often tropes: the poor person struggling to "make it," the hardworking underdog whose dreams are thwarted by systemic forces.

The entertainment industry often frames its portrayal of the poor in a way that disempowers them—either they’re victims or they’re criminals. Few films show the resilience, ingenuity, and everyday heroism of working-class life.

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The Impact on Society: When Media Reinforces Inequality

The danger of classism in media goes beyond just what stories are told. The media’s portrayal of the wealthy as glamorous and admirable creates unrealistic standards for success. This sets up a harmful narrative in which people are conditioned to believe that wealth is synonymous with worth.

As we consume these stories, the narrative that "rich people are better, smarter, and more capable" becomes normalized. Meanwhile, poor people are depicted as lazy, uneducated, or unworthy of success. This not only perpetuates stereotypes but also fosters a sense of hopelessness for those who may never see themselves represented on the big screen.

The Power of Social Media: A Challenge to Classist Media

While the traditional film industry continues to be controlled by the elite, platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have begun to shift the balance of power. These social media platforms allow for a more diverse range of voices to emerge, particularly from people who would never have been allowed access to mainstream media.

Creators from all walks of life—especially from lower-income backgrounds—are now able to tell their stories directly to an audience. This new wave of content is not only more relatable to many people, but it also provides an opportunity for those who have been ignored or misrepresented in traditional media to share their experiences.

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Why It Matters: Media and Class Struggles

Classism in media has a profound effect on our understanding of society. By portraying certain lifestyles and ideals as “normal” or “aspirational,” the media maintains a status quo that benefits the few at the expense of the many. The stories we see—and don’t see—are shaping how we view the world, and in many cases, how we view ourselves.

We need more diverse representation in media—not just in terms of race and gender, but also in terms of class. The working class and poor deserve their stories to be told. They deserve to be represented not as victims or criminals, but as complex, multi-dimensional people whose lives are worth exploring. Until that happens, the divide between the classes will only continue to grow.

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Conclusion: Breaking Free from Classist Media

The fight against classism in media is a fight against the narrative that wealth equals worth. The more we become aware of how the media shapes our views on class, the more we can demand better, more inclusive storytelling. We have the power to choose what media we consume—and we can support creators who are challenging the status quo and giving voice to those who have been silenced for far too long.

As we continue to push for systemic change, recognizing the role media plays in reinforcing inequality is crucial. It’s time to reclaim the narrative.

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Action Steps for the Reader:

1. Audit Your Media Consumption: Be aware of what media you’re consuming and who is behind the scenes. Are you supporting oligarchic systems? Who benefits from the stories you're watching?

2. Support Indie Creators: Look for content that is made outside of the mainstream system—especially from creators who focus on underrepresented stories.

3. Challenge Classist Stereotypes: When you see movies or shows reinforcing classist tropes, don’t be afraid to call them out. Demand better.